Bradley Beal Reaction: Departure To NBA Draft Could Benefit Florida

The wise writers over at Aligator Army have put together a piece examining the departure of guard Bradley Beal to the NBA Draft and what it means to the Florida Gators going forward.

They feel it could actually have some positive impact including the thinning out of Florida's over-stocked backcourt while freeing up a much-needed scholarship.

"If Beal had returned, Florida would have had either six or seven guards (it depends on if you count Casey Prather along with DeVon Walker) in its backcourt, and Beal and Kenny Boynton would likely have played most of the minutes at the off guard position. Scottie Wilbekin would have been your starting point guard, and played plenty of minutes, and Mike Rosario would have gotten a sizable role upgrade. That would have been a frustrating situation for Michael Frazier and Dillon Graham, both of whom are good enough to at least briefly see the court in their freshman years, but Beal obviated it with his departure."

They also feel that Beal's success will make it easy to find a replacement.

"Beal's success makes it clear that that player can become a Gator, play in Donovan's system at one of the nation's premier schools, and still leave for the NBA. The trail has been blazed. It will also be followed."

For more news and analysis on the Florida Gators including Bradley Beal's departure, make sure to stop by Aligator Army.

Bradley Beal On His Decision To Leave Florida For The NBA

Florida Freshman Bradley Beal held a press conference on Friday morning where he formally announced that he would be leaving the University to pursue a career in the NBA. Here are some things that Beal had to say about his decision.

"Everything about this place is beautiful, I'm sad I have to give it up for something else but there are bigger things out there." -Beal

— Julie Quittner (@JQuittner) April 13, 2012

Beal seemed like someone who really wanted to be part of the University for four years, and did not have the intention of coming in as a one and done type of guy. But it also seems like the allure of the NBA was simply too much for him to pass up.

Beal Says seeing NBA games on TV or hearing the word "NBA" was signs to him lately ...it seemed to follow him

— Julie Quittner (@JQuittner) April 13, 2012

But the decision wasn't easy, and Beal had plenty of reasons to return to Florida. Not the least of which is that the Gators are going to have a very competitive team again next year.

Beal says number one reason he would have come back is chance to win a national title

— Julie Quittner (@JQuittner) April 13, 2012

For more on the Florida Gators and Bradley Beal's decision, visit SB Nation's Gators blog Alligator Army. For more on other players declaring for the NBA draft visit SB Nation's dedicated StoryStream.

Florida Gators Bradley Beal To Enter 2012 NBA Draft, According To Report

Florida Gators freshman guard Bradley Beal has declared for the 2012 NBA Draft, according to a report.